For 25 years, DramaWay has championed inclusive arts—empowering individuals of all abilities to express themselves, connect, and shine. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to Be the Way Forward and help us continue making the arts accessible to all.

Starting April 2nd, we’re launching a 25-day fundraising campaign to support our specialized arts programs. Throughout the campaign, we’ll take a journey through DramaWay’s history—sharing stories of impact, throwback moments, and key milestones. Then, we’ll look ahead to building an even more accessible, inclusive and vibrant future.

Our goal is to raise $12,000 in just 25-days!

How You Can Help:

✅ Donate Today – Every dollar makes a difference
📢 Spread the Word – Share our fundraiser and help grow our community
📲 Engage on Social Media – Like, comment & share to amplify our impact

Find us on: Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn

Together, we can Be the Way Forward and ensure DramaWay’s legacy continues for years to come.

Thank you for your support!

Click here or scroll down to see our Daily Features!

DAILY FEATURES:

Click the link beside each date

April 24th

DramaWay wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of our incredible community partners. From venue sponsors and grant providers to local businesses and organizations that champion inclusion, these partnerships help us create meaningful arts experiences for performers of all abilities. Their generosity has provided accessible theatre spaces, funded program development, and helped us bring our creative vision to life.

As we celebrate 25 years, we’re taking a moment to highlight the importance of inclusion and community. A heartfelt THANK YOU to the partners who have stood by us, making both our arts community and our world a better place.

Let’s celebrate accessible arts and generous community partners!
www.dramaway.com/give

As we head to the end of our 25-day legacy journey, it’s time to shine a light once again on our invaluable Helpers—our remarkable Team whose skills, training, and wealth of experience are the backbone of our community helping with deep care and compassion to make each of our Performers feel seen and supported.

Looking ahead, it’s the diverse talents of our Team that will guide our Performers into the future following their passion for the arts. Our Helpers are poised to shape the next generation of actors, dancers and advocates for inclusive arts with their commitment to empowering everyone as equals. 

It’s been a blast celebrating our past, yet we’re even more excited about being the way forward, knowing that with our Team's expertise and heart, DramaWay will continue to thrive for years to come. 

Enjoy our reels today including a spotlight featuring two of our Facilitators Julia and Leo. Shout out to all our past and current Helpers who continue to help and offer quality support to our Performers.  

Join us in honouring these incredible individuals who make our vision a reality!

April 23rd

At DramaWay, our creativity starts long before the spotlight hits the stage — it begins behind the scenes, often with recycled fabric, repurposed props, and imaginative at-home rehearsals. This Earth Day, we’re proud to highlight how our 25-year journey has embraced not only artistic expression but also thoughtful, eco-conscious choices in our creative process.

From upcycled costumes to DIY set pieces crafted with care, our performers, volunteers, and staff pour their hearts into every detail. It’s all part of our inclusive, joy-filled process that builds confidence, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

As we prepare for our June 7 & 8 Annual Arts Showcase, we celebrate the collaborative spirit and sustainable creativity that fuel our DramaWay community. A huge shoutout to Nancy D and our incredible Costume Team — and to all the volunteers who help turn everyday materials into on-stage magic!

Want to be part of the impact? Donate $25 this Earth Day or join us as a Volunteer to support accessible, inclusive arts to all.

Visit dramaway.com/give to make a difference and Be The Way Forward.

April 22nd

Spotlight on Emmy-Nominated Director Graeme Lynch & Award Winning Actress Phoebe Rae Taylor from Disney + Out Of My Mind 

At DramaWay, inclusion isn’t just a goal—it’s the heart of everything we do. For 25 years, we’ve been committed to creating a space where performers of all abilities can explore their creativity, develop their skills, and shine on stage without barriers. We believe that the arts should be accessible to everyone, and we work tirelessly to ensure that every performer feels valued, respected, and celebrated.

Emmy nominated, two-time Canadian Screen Award winner and a 15-time Best Director nominee Director Graeme Lynch is a cherished friend to our DramaWay community. Graeme met our Team and some of our talented performers when we were featured on the award-winning docuseries Employable Me. Since then, Graeme has not only become a strong supporter, but a true ally forming meaningful relationships with our performers and Team. Graeme’s presence at our West End programs and our annual arts showcases has been a gift! 

Despite his incredibly impressive career directing over 350+ TV episodes,  Graeme’s passion for storytelling extends beyond the screen as he is committed to making a difference in the community. Graeme was instrumental in referring our Team to a project which resulted in us being hired as Accessibility Consultants on the award winning film Out of My Mind starring role model and talented award winning actress Phoebe Rae Taylor. Our Performers are incredibly grateful to have two industry professionals Graeme Lynch and Phoebe Rae in our corner; proving that every voice deserves to be heard.

Watching Phoebe as Melody in OOMM proved that the arts do indeed have the power to unite, heal and empower. As we create and thrive forward, we invite you to join us too in championing the power of inclusion by being The Way Forward by volunteering or giving just $25 today. 🎭✨

April 21st

When a performer first joins DramaWay, they may be shy, reserved, or hesitant to step into the spotlight. But over time, something magical happens—through encouragement, creativity, and a safe space to be themselves, they begin to shine 🌟. Some go from speaking softly in rehearsals to confidently delivering monologues on stage. Others who once stayed in the background now dance with joy and pride in front of an audience.

These transformation stories are why we do what we do. DramaWay has been a catalyst for growth in so many lives, and we can’t wait to share these before-and-after moments with you. Check out this transformation story from the Girard family.

Help our Performers shine: www.dramaway.com/give

April 20th

The Therapeutic Impact of the Arts

For the past 25 years, we’ve seen time and time again proof that the arts heal, uplift, and empower. In 2025 we still remain committed to ensuring that everyone—regardless of ability—has access to these benefits. 

Theatre and Dance are more than just performance—it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional well-being. At DramaWay, we’ve seen firsthand how the performing arts provide a safe space for our performers to process emotions, build confidence, and connect with others. Whether through drama, dance, or music, our programs offer an outlet for creativity and self-discovery, fostering a sense of joy and belonging.

As mental health awareness grows, we’re proud to be part of the conversation as we move forward. Do you find taking part in creative activities helps your mental health?

Join us in celebrating the power of creativity for mental well-being by GIVING $25 today https://www.dramaway.com/give

Bonus Content!

Today we celebrate how DramaWay not only impacts individuals but also strengthens families and our entire community. Saylah Strnad has experienced this firsthand. From a young age, Saylah watched both her parents’ creative lifestyles and dreamt of becoming an artist. Through her dedicated involvement with DramaWay, Saylah has now blossomed into a versatile contributor taking on roles as one of our makeup artists, social media and support staff, as well as helping with props and set design. Her journey reflects the nurturing environment we strive to create, where creativity flourishes and every voice is valued.

Saylah’s growth embodies the essence of what DramaWay stands for—empowering families and building connections within our community. It’s heartening to see how DramaWay has inspired so many, encouraging young artists like Saylah while also fostering collaboration among families. 

Join together with us as a volunteer or donate $25 today to help us cultivate a vibrant community where dreams are realized and artistic expression thrives, reinforcing the idea that DramaWay is a place where everyone can shine: dramaway.com/give.

April 19th

April 18th

As we look forward to the future, DramaWay continues to be more than just arts programs—it’s a movement, a family, and a space where performers of all abilities can shine.

Our work is far from over; with your support, we can continue breaking barriers, fostering creativity, and ensuring that inclusive arts remain accessible to all.

Become a volunteer or donate $25 today as we build on our legacy and keep the magic alive for years to come! Be the Way Forward!

For over 25 years, families and small businesses have been pillars of support for DramaWay. The Yan Zarrabi family exemplifies this spirit. Their enthusiasm shines as they consistently attend our showcases in large groups, while also aiding us to source costumes, create original set pieces, produce promotional videos, volunteer at our performances and even creating uplifting content for us during the pandemic.

Many of our performers travel from outside of the city weekly to attend our programs. Dariush Yan Zarrabi is amongst those, showing his loyalty since he began with us years ago way back at ErinoakKids as a young teen.

As a proud ambassador, Dariush spreads the word about our impact from Ottawa and Vancouver all the way to Kurdistan. The entire Zarrabi family has volunteered in various ways over the years. Dariush’s brother volunteered in our theatre program, cousin Siya donated lighting equipment, while Siya’s wife Kristen of “Hopscotch The Globe” taught a film class for us. Uncle Joel had fun contributing to our virtual sessions and his Father Faro still helps Dar to film promotional content for us, while also aiding us with set creations. His support workers and Mother Sharon have always been a huge support attending set building days and more.

Inspired by his family members’ experiences in the arts, Dariush recently launched his own YouTube channel. Today, we celebrate the profound impact of the Yan Zarrabi family, demonstrating how their support benefits all our talented performers.

Together, we can Be The Way Forward! Volunteer with us or donate $25 today to dramaway.com/give so we can continue this incredible journey of creativity, inclusion, and inspiration.

April 17th

April 16th

DramaWay isn’t just a workplace—it’s a community. Our dedicated staff whether they be from back in the day or today, each and every one of them pour their hearts into every rehearsal, every performance, every class. Our Team makes every moment of connection with our performers count. 

Each of our Team members have their own story of how they found DramaWay, and what keeps them coming back year after year. Whether it’s witnessing a performer’s first time on stage, seeing friendships form during class, or celebrating small but meaningful breakthroughs, these moments remind us why inclusive arts matter.

Today as we reflect back, some of our Helpers are sharing what DramaWay means to us, and what makes this work so rewarding. If any of our Team members has impacted you over the past 25 years, we’d love to hear your reflections too! 💬 

Help us Be The Way Forward by joining us as a volunteer or donating $25 today www.dramaway.com/give.

During our 25-Year journey, we have enjoyed countless rehearsals and program sessions filled with laughter, creativity, and collaboration! What goes into making a DramaWay production or running an inclusive arts session? 

Our process is as unique as our performers—each session is designed to be accessible, engaging, and, most importantly, FUN. Whether it’s practicing choreography, improvising new scenes for a summer program, working on vocal exercises, or developing social stories…every moment spent in rehearsals or classes helps our performers grow in confidence and skill.

Enjoy this clip featuring  our performers from our 2021 Summer Shakespeare program, “A Midsummer Night Time Television” , directed by one of our long time Facilitators, Morgan Joy. 

Help us prepare to move forward into the spotlight by volunteering or donating $25 today at dramaway.com/give! 🎭✨

April 15th

April 14th

DramaWay doesn’t just transform the lives of performers; it uplifts entire families. For many caregivers, our programs offer more than just a creative outlet—they provide a space where their loved ones are not only included, but celebrated.

With National Scrabble Day upon us, we’re thinking about the power of words—how they connect us, tell our stories, and bring people together. Just like a great Scrabble game, DramaWay has helped families find the right words to express pride, joy, and belonging.

One family recently shared how DramaWay gave their performer a deep sense of purpose, community, and creativity. It’s a beautiful reminder that like letters on a board, when people come together in the right environment, something magical is spelled out.

In this clip, Jessica and Ursula Sherman reflect on the profound impact DramaWay has had on their family. Petra, a devoted Actor with us for over 15 years, continues to grow as an artist, alongside her sister Jessica who shares the same passion for performance.

Help us celebrate 25 years of impact: www.dramaway.com/give

From intimate performances in small community spaces to full-scale productions in professional theatres, DramaWay has grown tremendously over the years.

But no matter the venue, one thing has remained the same—our performers’ passion, creativity, and dedication. Every show tells a story, and every performer brings it to life in their own unique way.

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane sharing pictures and a
video montage from some of our last Showcases over the years.

Relive the magic!

Celebrate the talent!

And witness the incredible journey we’ve been on together.

Be the way forward by volunteering or giving just $25 today at dramaway.com/give to help us continue producing quality performances and programs for another 25 years!

April 13th

Over the past 25 years, DramaWay’s work has caught the attention of media outlets, celebrating our commitment to accessible arts and inclusion. From news articles to television features, our performers’ incredible talent and passion have been showcased far and wide.

These moments affirm that our Performers and inclusive arts deserve a spotlight—and that the world is watching as we continue breaking barriers in the arts and entertainment world.

As we look back, we’re sharing some of our most memorable media moments. You’ve seen our articles earlier, now check out these throwback moments to see how DramaWay has been recognized over the years!

Footage in this clip includes “A Voice For All” with Jam Gamble and Jessi Cruickshank and Shahir Massoud our longtime supporters and friends as well as other news features.

In honour of this legacy, consider volunteering with us or donate $25 today dramaway.com/give.

April 12th

April 11th

On National Gardening Day, we’re reminded of how, like a thriving garden, DramaWay is more than just an inclusive arts company—it’s a community rooted in creativity, inclusion, and lifelong friendships.

Just as plants flourish in a supportive environment, our performers find their true voices here. For others, it’s where they made their closest friends. And for many, it’s where they discovered their love for performance and self-expression. 

DramaWay doesn’t just transform the lives of performers—it impacts entire families. For many caregivers, our programs provide a space where their loved ones are not just included, but celebrated. Many families tell us how DramaWay has given their performer a sense of purpose, a strong community, and a creative outlet that brings them immense joy. It’s also where close friendships form. Stories like these are like seeds that remind us why we do what we do. 

Let’s cultivate the impact of 25 years of impact and growth together: www.dramaway.com/give

Today our legacy campaign travels way back to the times we had with Gerald Patrick Fantone, whose journey with us started in 2004 when he joined as our first young teen to volunteer with our children’s programs. 

Gerald came on board as staff shortly there after and quickly became an integral part of our team—teaching drama🎭, dance💃🏾, visual arts🎨, and film 🎥, managing productions, and even securing the theatre space we still call home for our Annual Arts Showcase.

Gerald built and designed many of our sets and props, while also writing and adapting scripts. His dedication helped shape many of the programs we still offer to date, and he was instrumental in developing our backstage and creative processes that continue to support our performers of all abilities today.

Beyond DramaWay, Gerald co-created award-winning films featuring some of our talented actors. He has since continued his advocacy in accessibility and the disability arts sector, but his impact at DramaWay endures.

Gerald’s work has helped countless performers shine, and we’re forever grateful for his many contributions to our creative community. We are honoured to have Gerald as part of our DramaWay family.

Check out this fun throwback clip, Dial-A-Granny commercial, filmed and edited by Gerald more than over a decade ago! 🎞️ 

🎭 Give$25 today at dramaway.com/give to help us continue creating meaningful opportunities for performers of all abilities!

April 10th

Small nonprofit organizations like ours rely heavily on dedicated volunteers and outstanding staff. We’ve had the privilege of training and collaborating with hundreds of volunteers over the past 25 years.

Today, we highlight the collective efforts of the devoted Isaacs family, as well as so many others, who embody the spirit of community and connection!

One of our past Facilitators, Adina Isaacs began volunteering with us as a young teen with her boyfriend (now husband) and soon after her siblings and parents joined too. Together, this family along with others have made a huge difference demonstrating their unwavering support for our mission.

Fact: Adina’s journey with DramaWay has come full circle. After working alongside our Executive Director for years, Adina now runs her own Centre called Mount Etna Child & Family Services.

Help Us Be The Way Forward by volunteering or donating today www.dramaway.com/give

April 9th

One of our many Helpers over the years includes local Filmmaker Kire Paputts of Made by Other People. Kire’s involvement with our Theatre program from 2011 to 2016 has profoundly impacted our performers, enabling them to shine in their artistic journeys. Through his support of five different theatrical plays and our annual showcase at the Papermill Theatre, Kire worked alongside our Team to foster a creative environment where our performers felt valued and empowered. His dedication extended beyond the stage; he filmed our showcases and audience testimonials, capturing the authentic voices of over 16 of our talented actors in his films of Rainbow Connection and The Rainbow Kid, showcasing their unique stories to a broader audience including even being featured at TIFF.

Kire’s commitment to inclusivity and representation in the arts aligns seamlessly with our mission at DramaWay. His recent initiatives, including developing a micro-budget filmmaking course at the University of Toronto, further demonstrate his passion for supporting emerging artists, particularly those facing barriers in traditional funding avenues. Our DramaWay community not only cherishes his contributions but also appreciates the collaborative spirit he fostered, as seen in events like the film screening he helped to organize, spotlighting short films featuring actors of all abilities.

Together we celebrate the transformative power of storytelling and the opportunities it creates for all voices to be heard.

April 8th

At DramaWay, every performer’s journey is unique, but the impact of our programs is often the same—building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging. For many families, DramaWay has been more than just an arts program; it’s been a place where their loved ones feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. In honour of World Health Day we hope you enjoy this story from the White Family as they share the impact that we have had in helping their Performer Jason express himself. 

Jason has now blossomed into a confident artist sharing his own YouTube creations with the world; always ready to take the stage with joy and pride. These stories remind our Team why we do what we do. DramaWay isn’t just about putting on a great show—or running an engaging class…it’s about creating a community where every performer is valued and supported. 

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Jason’s YouTube channel Story Time With Uncle Jason!

April 7th

Whether it is a DramaWay program or production, behind it all there’s always been an incredible team of helpers who help bring the magic to life. From assisting performers on stage to organizing costumes, props, sets, play programmes or creating visuals and developing curriculum for our weekly programs, these dedicated individuals make a world of difference! 

Fact: Many of our Team members started as volunteers and quickly became part of our DramaWay family, forming meaningful connections with our performers and witnessing firsthand the power of inclusive arts. Their generosity and passion help ensure that every performer receives the guidance, encouragement, and support they need to shine.

As we continue travelling back in time today with our legacy journey on, we feel deep gratitude to all the wonderful student volunteers and helpers we’ve had the chance to create with over the years. None of our programs or projects would be successful without their hard work and creativity working collaboratively with our talented artists/performers. 

Today’s throwback can be your new athletic workout and serves as a true testament to the talent and humor that radiates through our community.Have your own favorite DramaWay memory or work out routine? Share it in the comments! 🎭😂 💃🏾

April 6th

Over the years, DramaWay’s shows have grown from small, intimate performances in community spaces to full-scale productions in professional theatres like the RBC Theatre at The Living Arts Centre as well as our current home at Papermill Theatre. 

Our old posters and play programmes tell the story of that journey—each one a snapshot of a moment back in time, showcasing the creativity, talent, and dedication of our performers and Creative Team. As our productions and programs have evolved, so have the costs, from securing accessible theatre spaces to creating high-quality costumes, sets, technical support and a qualified Staff Team to give our performers the spotlight they deserve.

Every dollar raised during this campaign helps us continue our legacy of impact—ensuring that DramaWay remains a space where performers of all abilities can shine on stage while learning essential social and life skills. As we pull up footage today from way back for National Flash Drive Day, we see how far we’ve come—and how much further we can move forward with your support. 

Recognize any of these posters/play programmes? Keep the magic alive by GIVING $25 today to keep us moving forward! 🎭✨

April 5th

Before DramaWay became the inclusive arts community it is today, our early showcases featured young performers of all ages. Back in the day, our Executive Director used to teach young children, guiding them through their first experiences on stage. These performances were full of heart, creativity, and the same commitment to self-expression that DramaWay is known for today. It was during this time that Danielle saw firsthand how the arts could build confidence, connection, and joy—lessons that would later shape our inclusive arts programming.

As DramaWay evolved, so did our mission. We shifted our focus to creating a space where performers of all abilities could shine, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality arts experiences. Those early showcases laid the foundation for the impactful work we do today.  

On Walk to Work Day today, we reflect on how each journey—whether on foot or wheeling in a chair—brings us closer to our goals. Join us in celebrating our roots and the journey forward by watching this throwback from one of our first productions—where it all began!

April 4th

April 3rd

What started as a childhood love ❤️ for performance back in the 1970’s—

🎤 Singing into a hairbrush as a mic … playing a mini piano —

🎬 Acting behind a shower curtain as a stage —

Evolved into a lifelong mission for DramaWay’s Founder, Danielle Strnad. 

From her early days as a Historical Interpreter to working in gerontology and the arts, Danielle saw a need for inclusive, process-oriented creative programming. Back in 1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣, Danielle officially launched DramaWay with just five performers in a small boardroom at Community Living Toronto.  

Fast forward 25 years, DramaWay has grown into the leading provider of inclusive arts programs across the GTA, servicing over 450 individuals of all abilities on a weekly basis while also impacting more than 30, 000 lives since its inception. 

DramaWay remains committed to their 1999 goal of putting performers’ needs first —

👩‍🎨 Creating…📚 Educating…and ❤️Advocating for a more inclusive arts community. 🎨

As we celebrate this significant milestone, we’re excited to tie our journey  forward to the spirit of National DIY Day & World Party Day! Just as DIY encourages creativity and resourcefulness, DramaWay empowers performers to express themselves fully.

On World Party Day, celebrate with us the joy of coming together through the arts by GIVING$25 today: https://www.dramaway.com/give

On this World Autism Acceptance Day, we proudly celebrate 2️⃣5️⃣ years of empowering performers of all abilities through inclusive arts. DramaWay has long been a space where individuals with diverse needs shine on stage, build confidence and express themselves freely.  

Today, we kick off our 25-day digital fundraiser—celebrating our journey, milestones, and impact!

From teaching five performers in a cramped boardroom to consulting for Disney+ and leading a thriving nonprofit, our Executive Director Danielle remains dedicated to keeping the arts accessible for all with our incredible Team:

♦️ A committed Advisory Board
♦️ Administrators & Business Consultants 
♦️ 15+ arts specialists
♦️ 115+ on going volunteers 
♦️ 20+ valued community partnerships

Every dollar raised supports our Annual Arts Showcase (June 7th & 8th), featuring 110 talented performers, and keeps our specialized accessible programs strong for the next 25 years!

♥️ GIVE $25 today in honour of World Autism Acceptance Day and to support DramaWay’s past and help be the way forward!

***

Check out this fun historical trip down memory lane. This clip features some of the many articles and certificates mentioning DramaWay over the past 2️⃣5️⃣ years. We couldn’t include them all, but it reminds us of the legacy of impact we’ve made as we look back on some of the recognition we have received while spotlighting our Performers. 

April 2nd

In celebration of our 25 year anniversary, our Executive Director, Danielle Strnad makes a special announcement about our upcoming 25-day digital fundraiser starting tomorrow. 

April 1st